Oliver Byne is a 16 year old from Sheffield who has just completed his GCSE's. Like most lads of that age he likes his football, snooker and collects autographs. He also does a bit of painting as a hobby.

Nothing unusual there then …

However, Oliver is also completing his Duke of Edinburgh Award and, as part of that, has to raise money for charity.

And this is where any Spireite fan may want to read on...

During the 2010 World Snooker Championships at the Crucible Theatre, Oliver painted each of the players competing as part of the 'skills' section of his award. Waiting outside he collected all their autographs on the paintings - intending to sell them to raise cash for his Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

However, a conversation with Steve Davis led to a suggestion from him that Oliver should keep the originals as testament to his hard work and that prints should instead be sold on, with players re-signing those too. It took him a year to get all 32 players and raise much-needed funds for the expedition and his chosen charities.

Having already attracted attention, the originals are to be sold during next year's championships at art Bank Street. The style has been termed 'Art-a-graphs' denoting the fusion of art and autographs and was well received, with Oliver showcasing his work at the Crucible Pub and at the Winter Gardens.

This led to football and the next challenge. A self confessed Blade, and lifelong Sheffield lad, Oliver wanted to paint a local team's players and collect their autographs to raise more funds. However, as Oliver's mum, Joanne, explained to The Chesterfield Post, "There was only Chesterfield with something to celebrate" and so, Oliver set his sights on a trip to the B2net and the last game against Gillingham on May 7th.

The result was a one off painting showing the Chesterfield logo, the crooked Spire, with ticker tape falling from the sky with the names of 27 Players & Manager from this season tumbling down in honour of the boys that achieved promotion. The names are the actual autographs of the players & signed within an hour of the final whistle, at the B2net.

Oliver had been to Saltergate but never to the b2net and waited outside where he collected all the player's autographs as they left the ground that day (pictured above). There was one signature however that proved more difficult. John Sheridan was understandably busy inside the stadium but, after attracting attention outside the ground, Oliver was invited inside and the manager signed the painting too in the hospitality suite.

The unique abstract painting is now for sale this weekend at the Great Sheffield Art Show with all funds raised resulting in further funds to add to the other planned Art-a-graph projects over the next 12 months, and a percentage of the overall profits being donated to Oliver's two chosen Charities, The Paul Hunter Foundation and Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity as part of the Volunteering / Fundraising section of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold.

These charities were chosen as Oliver explained, "Because these charities mean a lot to me as my Grandad died of cancer and Paul Hunter was an amazing talented snooker player - taken from us too soon and are both very much missed."

Oliver has been nominated for the Sheffield Young Artist of the Year Award at the Sheffield Celebration of Success 2011 at the Sheffield City Hall - the event is being held on Thursday (7th July) evening.

He also has a painting on show at the 29th Derbyshire Open Art Competition being held at Buxton Museum & Art Gallery. This runs from June 25th to September 2nd. The theme of the entries had to relate to Derbyshire, therefore Oliver's piece is called: 'Chesterfield by Night'.

Oliver and his family are also hoping that a limited number of prints may be available in due course.

This 'Art-a-graphs' Abstract painting is to form part of the exhibition at;

The 24th Great Sheffield Art Show -
8th - 10th of July 2011 - The largest Art Show in the North.

Venue:The Octagon Centre, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TQ

RECENT STORIES

DOG-GONE... -
North East Derbyshire District Council are asking for help with information on these two dogs. More...

SPIREITES RUN TO SUPPORT ASHGATE HOSPICE -
It's been revealed that a team from Chesterfield Football Club is hoping to net £2,000 for Ashgate Hospice by competing in the Spire10 mile race later this month. More...

EMBRACING LIFE -
On Saturday 6th August a fund raising event took place in aid of a brand new, local charity called Embracing Life. More...

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW... -
'Man pain' was definitely the order of the day in one Chesterfield coffee shop on Saturday morning. More...

NEW ACTIVITY PROGRAMME FOR THE DISABLED -
Sportability, the London based registered charity, is expanding its operation of sports programmes for people with paralysis across the nation. More...

EVERY STALL HELPS -
It was a bumper turnout as hundreds turned out to support the second Community Fair held by Tesco at their Lockoford Lane store. More...

CHARITY BEGINS AT ALL 92 FOOTBALL CLUBS!! -
Ian Butt and Steve Pye are currently covering 3,000 miles visiting all 92 football league grounds in just 7 days - all in aid of the McMillan Cancer Charity. More...

ASHOVER CLASSIC CAR RALLY WILL BENEFIT CHARITIES -
100's of classic cars and bikes will be at the Ashover Show Ground near Chesterfield this month for a new all-day rally, which could raise thousands for local charities. More...

JAMIE WALKER'S STARS SHINE BRIGHTLY -
This 6th Annual charity football match at the B2net Stadium between the Spireites Legends and the Celebrity Soapstars has so far raised a wonderful sum of £19,600.00 More...

2 DOGS WILL BE PUT TO SLEEP TODAY UNLESS YOU CAN HELP? -
Bert and Ernie are both being housed at the Dog Control Kennels and as is their policy, they will unfortunately be sadly put to sleep today More...

FERRETS HELP FUND ASHOVER FLOWER FESTIVAL -
This week ferret-racing fans from all over North Derbyshire have helped Ashover Church Flower Guild raise £1,700 for charity. More...

ASHGATE HOSPICE FOREIGN COIN COLLECTION -
Foreign currency can be used to raise money, however time is running out to receive the best rates but you can still help Ashgate Hospice More...

CHARITY MATCH OF THE DAY -
A bumper crowd at the b2net watched the much-anticipated charity match between a team of soap stars and Spireites Legends. More...

SUPPORT OUR ARMED FORCES -
Chesterfield has a proud connection with the Armed Forces past and present and supports current servicemen and veterans through fundraising events. More...

GIVE GENEROUSLY FOR KIAN -
"A lot of people don't know what will happen in future but we know our future will be dialysis 3 times a week and then a major operation for a kidney transplant".More...

LOCAL CHARITIES TO BENEFIT FROM CLASSIC CAR & BIKE SHOW -
Next month's event, organised by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield is set to benefit local organisations. More...

CHESTERFIELD CARERS DIARY FOR JUNE / JULY -
Chesterfield Carers Centre have a full diary of events coming up. Here's the full list and contact details. More...

YOUR LOSS IS THEIR GAIN -
A Charity 12 week Weight Loss Challenge from the 31st May 2011 in aid of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. More...

RSPCA WEEK - PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY -
We try and help every animal we come across, we try our best to help but that does come at a cost More...

ASHGATE HOSPICE INVITES YOU TO THE B2NET BALL -
Ashgate Hospice will once again be hosting the b2net Ball at the b2net Stadium on Friday 3rd June 2011. More...

CARING FOR CARERS IN CHESTERFIELD -
A new centre that aims to offer support, guidance and activities for carers has been officially opened in the town centre today. More...

ASHGATE'S FANCY DRAG RACE, MEN ONLY! -
The 3rd annual, men only, Ashgate Hospice 'Fancy Drag Race' is taking place on Sunday 15th May and they expect the event to be the biggest yet! More...

LADIES - ZUMBA FOR ASHGATE HOSPICE -
There will be a special Zumba Fitness session on Wednesday 6th April, 7.30pm at the Winding Wheel, Chesterfield. Tickets £5 in aid of Ashgate Hospice. More...

7 DOWN, 2 TO GO -
They say that cats have nine lives but little Kitty must be down to seven by now after being the victim of TWO RTC's in four months. More...

SPIREFEST GETS READY TO ROCK CHESTERFIELD -
The inaugural Spirefest day long rock festival and guitar show due to be held at the Winding Wheel is drawing ever closer... More...

NETTING FUNDS FOR CHARITY AT THE B2NET -
A massive charity football match is being organised to raise funds for a leading cancer charity that helped a former footballing apprentice beat the disease 4 years ago. More...

CATWALK CAPERS FOR CHARITY -
Models, from Fairplay, council staff and friends and family of the Mayor's staff and Chesterfield Post strutted their stuff raising over £750 for the Mayors Appeal. More...

HELP BEAM SCOTTY BACK HOME -
The RSPCA is asking for help in tracing the owners of a cat who survived with only burned paws after being found in the engine of a car that had travelled to Chesterfield from Nottingham. More...

EVERY PEDAL HELPS -
15 staff from Tesco, Chesterfield got on their bikes in order to raise cash for Clic Sargent, Tesco's Charity of the year. More...

CAN YOU SAVE THIS DOG? -
A Staffordshire Bull Cross, picked up as stray by the council's dog wardens, will be put to sleep tomorrow (Friday 4th March at 5pm) if a new home can't be found for him. More...

GREAVESY'S WILD ABOUT CHOCOLATE -
Jimmy Greaves is supporting a new brand of chocolates, made in Chesterfield, helping to do its bit to save tigers from extinction. More...

CHARITY BEGINS AT ... ALFRETON -
The first charity to benefit from the Alfreton Sunday League's Grand 40th Reunion has been announced. More...

COMING TO A POOL NEAR YOU -
Local residents are being invited to 'jump in' and swim to help raise cash for a leading cancer charity. More...

ASHGATE HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALK FOR LADIES ONLY! -
Our 4th annual Midnight Walk is on Sat/Sun 25th/26th June 2011 and is expected to be one of the biggest events in our calendar this year! More...

HAIR OF THE DOG -
Bella is a year old Shar-pei and has been at the RSPCA kennels for a long time - 10 weeks in total. More...

NOW MAN'S BEST FRIEND CAN HELP TOO! -
Ashgate Hospice is very excited to bring you a new event this year, especially for man's best friend! You and your dog are invited for sponsored "walkies" in Linacre Woods to help raise vital funds. More...

B2NET BUCKETS BRING HELP TO CHILDREN'S HOSPICE -
Generous fans visiting the B2Net have donated £400 to a Children's Hospice through a bucket collection... More...

GUITAR HEROES -
A unique gig, hoping to become an annual event, is being organised in Chesterfield in order to raise money for a leading cancer charity. More..

LEFT OUTSIDE ALONE-
Animal Welfare Workers are investigating after two young cats were found abandoned outside the rescue centre in freezing temperatures. More...

EVERY LITTLE HELPS -
A Primary School in Chesterfield is celebrating after being awarded £800 by a Supermarket Charity Trust. More...

Brrrrr RABBIT! -
The RSPCA has issued an URGENT appeal for homes for 22 rabbits that have been brought to their kennels in Spital this week. More...

STAVELEY MWFC'S GENEROUS GESTURE FOR SCOUTS CANADA TRIP -
A local company has made a generous donation towards a local scout group’s Canada trip after reading about the fundraising efforts in The Chesterfield Post. More...

ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE? -
Fairplay is a registered charity, dedicated to helping children with additional needs and their families. More...

LOVE LIGHTS UP HOSPICE -
Ashgate Hospice would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who dedicated a light in this year's Lights of Love switch on More...

LOCAL CHILDREN AND B&Q MAKE XMAS SPARKLE FOR ASHGATE -
A Primary School in Chesterfield has helped to spread a little Christmas joy after a tree they decorated took pride of place at Ashgate Hospice. More...

RSPCA APPEAL -
The RSPCA is appealing for what it calls a 'special home for a very special pup' - a near-blind rottweiler called 'Mac' and his best friend - a kitten called 'Boyd'. More...

YOUR VOTE COUNTS -
The Football League would like your help to help them decide which charity The League should select to be its Official Charity Partner for Season 2010/11. More...

WILL YOU SHINE A LIGHT OF LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR -
Will you be remembering someone special this Christmas? It was that time of year again, another summer had flown by and there was more than a nip in the air. More...

CAN YOU OFFER THESE HENS AN
EGG-CITING NEW
LIFE? -
The RSPCA in Chesterfield is urging people to consider buying Free range eggs after accepting 60 ex-battery hens into their kennels at Spital. More...

"BACK OF THE NET!" KICKING CASH FOR CHARITY -
Students from Chesterfield College gave a local charity a boost as they took part in a penalty shoot out to raise cash for Ashgate Hospice.More...

BEING CRUEL TO BE KIND? -
Chesterfield RSPCA are investigating the circumstances behind one of the most bizarre they've seen in 10 years at the Charity. More...

WIRKSWORTH ROTARY 5k SANTA FUN RUN -
The Rotary Club Of Wirksworth are staging a 5k 'Santa' fun-Run for the Rainbows and Ashgate Hospice Charities on Sunday 5th December 2010 at Carsington WaterMore...

A LONELY GOAT
HERD -
If you're an experienced goat owner (or a Military Regiment looking for your Regimental Mascot), with land to spare, then Chesterfield RSPCA is asking you to consider helping them. More...

PUPPY LOVE UPDATE -
The RSPCA in Chesterfield confirms that a woman claiming to be the owner of the pups has contacted them and after checks, they have been reunited. More...

PUPPY LOVE -
RSPCA bosses are appealing for help in tracing the people who dumped Barnaby and Benji last week in a Chesterfield field. More...

REMEMBER THEM -
The Chesterfield branch of the Royal British Legion is asking residents to do just that and buy a poppy as the town launched it's annual Poppy Appeal Saturday. More...

BARGAIN HUNT BONANZA -
There was everything to pay for as the Mayor and Mayoress took part in a charity Bargain Hunt on Chesterfield's very own flea market on Thursday, More...

WHY YOU REALLY SHOULD "GO TO SPECSAVERS" THIS WEEKEND -
Have you ever looked at the 'Mr Men' characters and thought, what about one called Mr ??? More...

MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE LOOKING FOR SUPPORTERS HELP -
Derbyshire Fundraiser, Laura Read is inviting anyone who is interested to come along to an informal meeting. More...

DROP IN CENTRE OPENS IT'S DOORS -The Nenna Kind centre is situated in Room 5 on the 2nd floor of the Market Hall and offers support and advice in a welcoming environment for anyone affected by cancer. More...

HOPE FOR AFRICA -
As children in Chesterfield prepare to return to school this week one charity is promoting the message that ‘In Africa, education is a privilege not a right‘. More...